Apologies, something with the sync between devices corrupted my file and it took a while to recover.

So, three points of order after deboarding (bus stand, ugh). First, SEN lounge. No access on arrival with OS, in contrast to LH or LX. Fine. Second, Leberkas-Pepi. Unlike my information on Lindt Lindor balls, my information on Leberkas-Pepi stand being missing were, luckily, unfounded. It has just moved slightly, but is still there for your Vienna transfer needs (if you originate in Vienna, I suggest instead the Billa in T1 departures).

Third, the bus. There are three (or maybe four) bus companies offering regular buses between Vienna Airport and Bratislava, some more frequent than others. An added complication is that while all of them terminate at the same point (or at least pass through it if they carry on beyond Bratislava), even different buses of the same company will take a different route to the terminus. That makes it a bit more difficult to figure out the exact plan.

Today, I walked out the gate expecting about 10-15 minute wait for the next bus, but surprisingly, I found a Slovak Lines bus at the stand. People were still filling in, so I checked with the driver, he was a slightly delayed 17:05, it was some 17:10 now. He didn’t stop at my ideal stop, but his intermediate stop worked for me. Walk up fare a bit expensive at 17EUR, I could have saved half by waiting 15 minutes, but I did not fancy being late. A good ride of about 50 minutes and a quick taxi to the hotel


a little welcome on basis of my Radisson status


Now, Radisson Blu Carlton is my preferred hotel in Bratislava. They always have good service, have pretty good breakfast, and fair prices plus a great location. The one thing that startles me more and more as the time goes by is the room décor.


The rooms are clearly renovated, but the furnishings, while looking brand new, are super clearly 90s design. Like, look at the TV stand!


The TV stand serves no purpose. The TV stand should not be there. There is a fully functional flat screen TV mounted right above the TV stand. Why does the furniture look like I time travelled to 1998? Curiously, this is the exact opposite of the problem Sheraton a couple tram stops down river has – over there, stuff is mostly up to date, but (at least as of my last stay) super worn down and due for replacement…

Anyway, I managed to get ready and leave just in time so that I entered the brewery bang on time for a dinner with my local friends, it was great catching up with those who could join, and a huge lost opportunity for those who couldn’t.

Back to the hotel, I stopped for a nightcap in the hotel bar.



The Mirror Bar specializes in drinks with some theater. It’s a bit more expensive than I’d necessarily like, but the drinks are well thought out, competently made, and the staff are friendly and happy to recommend and find something you’ll like, or to make you a classic.



And if you don’t feel like cocktails, they have a good bottle selection, too. This isn’t even all of it, there’s way more behind the bar.


I felt a bit peckish after that, so I walked to the local pizza-by-the-slice monger, and coming back, was met with a guy presumably just leaving the bar has sat down behind the lobby piano. I would have normally ran away, but something in the way he tried the keys told me he knew his stuff, and indeed, besides his date, they two night receptionists and I were subjected to a short and impromptu, but a nicely played concert. What an unexpectedly nice way to end this long day.

Tomorrow, breakfast, maybe a short scooter ride along the Danube to grab a coffee (I have some credit left over from tonight), and then the “Express” train from Bratislava to Kosice.